Alliance renewed to reduce employee exposure to chemical hazards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced on March 1, 2012, that it has renewed a partnership with the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication (SCHC) to promote best practices to reduce worker exposure to hazardous chemicals.

The renewed alliance will continue to focus on improving hazard communication and increasing awareness of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

"More than 32 million workers are exposed to 650,000 hazardous chemical products in American workplaces," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health David Michaels. "Our continued Alliance with the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication will help ensure that workers are aware of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed, and help reduce chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries."

The two-year agreement will also enable the Alliance to share information about OSHA's National Emphasis Programs, Regulatory Agenda, and opportunities to take part in the rule-making process.